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AP-NEC2

AP-NEC2 meeting information

22–23 October 2019, Wellington, New Zealand.

Theme

Reducing Inequities through Solutions-Oriented Bioethics

We have chosen to develop previous discussions, and respond to the Global Summit’s ‘Call for Action’ through a focus on equity in health and what solutions bioethics can offer to inequity. The concept of equity in health is an ethical principle, closely related to human rights; in particular, the right of all humans to experience good health. Bioethics has a role to play in addressing inequity both nationally and internationally. Solutions-orientated bioethics draws on the practical and sometimes pragmatic aspects of bioethics, where real world situations are ethically analysed using the bioethics framework. Achieving equity in health involves ethical deliberation across public health, global health, research, and clinical ethics.

Inequities are unfair differences in such things as people’s opportunities for well-being. Differences in opportunities for well-being are unfair when they are related to such things as unjust social privilege, arising for instance from discrimination. The presence or absence of social privilege often determines the health status of individuals. Pursuing equity in health means trying to reduce avoidable gaps in health status and health services between different levels of social privilege. Equity recognises that different people with different levels of advantage may require different approaches and resources to achieve equitable outcomes.

Session 6 will invite delegations to consider how progress should be measured, for reflection at future meetings.

Resources and related reading

Please note that documents will not be printed and distributed by the secretariat, to keep the meeting as green as possible. Please remember to bring an electronic device (laptop or tablet) to the meeting to access the documents. The documents will be available on this page.

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